Thomson
Masterpiece
Seatposts

Product Description

40 grams lighter than the Elite seatpost in the same size yet just as strong. Thomson accomplished this weight reduction by machining the seatpost including the eliptical inner diameter. 27.2mm x 240mm available with a 10 degree set back or straight 158 grams. 31.6 x 350mm available with a 7 degree set back 180 grams. Black or Silver.

User Reviews

Weaknesses: A bit on the pricey side but worth it. Got mine at a pretty substanital discount which eased the purchase pain. The setback model looks a little odd with the mid-post bend but I don't mind as it works great.

Bottom Line:

A truly superb bike component. The machining is without fault. Easy to install and adjust for saddle position and tilt. Other positive reviews were spot on.

At 155g this thing is still 10x stronger than full, fragile-by-comparison carbon posts will EVER be.

I had a machinist friend examine it and he was in complete AWE telling me the post must cost $200-$300 dollars. He was shocked how much I paid for it. The stick is a complete work-of-art. Yes, its highly over-engineered...but so is the OTHER PART LH Thomson and Co. makes- the landing gear struts for the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet.

Weaknesses: Aluminum walls too thin in places, exterior wall grooves were too large (causing stress risers), weaker than the Elite, not worth the risk for riders over 210 lbs.

Bottom Line:

Thomson seatposts DO break sometimes - don't let their marketing drivel stating that the post won't "catastrophically fail" influence your purchasing decision. Installed the seat-post at start of 2007 season using torque wrench (60 in-lbs) and rode for two seasons with no problems. About two miles into a ride recently, the post snapped in half where it enters the seat-tube. Sent me down instantly - nasty crash. Had a failure analysis done on the post and the findings were that the aluminum walls had been machined too much in some places (i.e., too thin) and the machining grooves on the outside of the post were likely out of spec, causing multiple stress risers. Thomson replaced the post but did not reimburse me for repairs to the bike, nor did they write a formal reply to my inquiry letter. I've actually gone back to Easton EC90 Zero carbon post - never had issues with it. Post is probably fine for lightweight riders, but there is a limit for how thin aluminum walls can be and still provide durability.

What else is there to say about Thomson other than they make rock solid products! Ingenious yet simple seat clamp design allows for minor (or major) adjustments by turning 2 screws. Once the seat is mounted and torqued, it's a set and forget type of seatpost. Never have to worry about it moving and works great with my Scott CR1. I took a pipe cutter to mine (31.6) and cut off about 2.5" and it weighs a scant 180 grams!

Strengths: There are few absolutes in life, the timeless quality of any Thomson product is one of them.

Weaknesses: Perfection comes with a price and the Masterpiece is not cheap. However, look at the weights and prices of the other posts out there. The price and weight of the Masterpiece beats most of the high end carbon posts on the market. If the cost is still too much go with the Elite it is just as good, just a little heavier.

Bottom Line:

I have used Thomson Elite posts on my mountain bikes for some time now and went with the Masterpiece on my road bike for the light weight, and as much as I hate to admit it "Bling" value as well. All Thomson products are a work of art that function flawlessly forever. The mounting can take a little patience but once it is set up it will never move or fail you.

Related Masterpiece Forum Posts

Synapse 5 105 2012
I just replaced my seatpost and saddle to a Thomson masterpiece and Fizik Anteres.
Antares, i'm still trying to find my sweet spot.
Still debating about sticking with the new addition for the long ride or going with the original parts.
Anyone have experience with any or bo ... Read More »

Greetings all,
Last night I recieved my Thompsom Masterpiece Started to put it on and I noticed the carbon rails on my seat really dont fit the clamp. They sit in the bottom of the clamp ok, but the top piece hits just off to the sides on both rails.. too small. Am I screwed with this seatpost? ... Read More »